Australian star captain goes unsold at WPL 2026 auction
Alyssa Healy remains unsold in a stunning WPL 2026 auction twist as Sophie Devine becomes the first player sold for INR 2 crore. Check all live updates from the New Delhi mega-auction.
The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega-auction in New Delhi began with a moment few could have predicted, as Australia captain Alyssa Healy, the first name in the marquee set, went unsold. Entering the auction at a base price of INR 50 lakh, Healy was widely expected to draw aggressive bidding, especially after being released by the UP Warriorz, whom she captained before missing the 2025 season due to a foot injury. Instead, her name passed without a single bid, stunning franchises and fans alike.
While Healy is almost certain to find a team in the accelerated round, going unsold in the opening minutes was a shock, particularly for a player of her stature. The 35-year-old is one of the most decorated cricketers in the women’s game, a six-time World Cup champion with world-class wicketkeeping skills and proven hitting ability. She has scored 1,030 runs in WT20Is at a strike rate of 122.5, along with 428 runs in 17 WPL matches at an average of 26.75.
ALSO SEE: Australian star all-rounder has withdrawn from the WPL mega auction
After Alyssa Healy goes unsold, Sophie Devine ignites fierce bidding at WPL 2026 auction
Moments after the Healy surprise, New Zealand star Sophie Devine became the first player sold at the 2026 auction. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder triggered a bidding war between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, thanks to her explosive batting and over 3,000 WT20I runs. Gujarat Giants eventually secured her services for a hefty INR 2 crore, making her one of the biggest buys of the early session.
The WPL 2026 mega-auction is one of the most anticipated events in the league’s young history, featuring 277 players, including 194 Indians and 83 overseas cricketers, competing for 73 available slots. With teams eyeing balance and depth for the new season, the auction’s opening minutes have already delivered drama, unpredictability, and high-stakes battles, setting the stage for an exciting day of team-building in the national capital.
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